Millions of Canadians will soon receive welcome financial relief as the Canada Grocery Rebate returns in October 2025, providing payments of up to $628 per household. The rebate, designed to offset the surging cost of groceries and essentials, will be automatically deposited into eligible recipients’ bank accounts by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the first half of October.
This one-time payment forms part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to support low- and middle-income families struggling with inflation, high food prices, and everyday living expenses. For many, the rebate will arrive just in time to ease financial pressure before winter.
What Is the Canada Grocery Rebate?
The Canada Grocery Rebate is a federal financial assistance program administered by the CRA to help households cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Originally launched in 2023 as a temporary measure, the rebate has since been extended due to persistent inflation and continued affordability challenges.
The rebate functions similarly to the GST/HST Credit, using the same eligibility framework based on net family income and family size. This means that you do not need to apply for it — if you qualify, the CRA will automatically issue the payment directly to your account.
The rebate is tax-free and will not affect other benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Old Age Security (OAS), or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Why the Government Is Extending the Grocery Rebate
The federal government introduced the rebate to help households manage rising food, rent, and utility costs. Despite progress in stabilizing inflation, food prices across Canada remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
According to Statistics Canada, food inflation continues to outpace the national average, affecting essentials such as dairy, meat, and produce. The Grocery Rebate is part of a broader affordability plan that includes energy bill support, rental assistance, and increased benefits for seniors through CPP and OAS.
By renewing the rebate, Ottawa aims to deliver targeted financial relief to Canadians most impacted by price pressures, ensuring that the support reaches households that truly need it.
Who Is Eligible for the $628 Grocery Rebate in October 2025?
Eligibility for the rebate is determined automatically by the CRA based on your 2024 income tax return. You do not need to apply — if you filed your taxes and met the criteria, you will receive the payment directly.
To qualify, you must:
- Have filed your 2024 income tax return by the CRA deadline.
- Be 18 years or older as of October 2025.
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- Have an annual income that falls within the CRA’s low- or modest-income threshold.
Your marital status and number of dependents also affect how much you’ll receive. The rebate amount mirrors your GST/HST Credit eligibility, meaning that those who received the credit in July 2025 are likely to receive the grocery rebate in October 2025.
Grocery Rebate Amounts – How Much Will You Get?
The maximum amount of the rebate is $628, but the exact figure varies based on household composition and income level. Below is an estimated breakdown of what different family types can expect to receive:
| Household Type | Maximum Rebate (October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Single individual (no children) | $234 |
| Married or common-law couple (no children) | $306 |
| Single parent with one child | $387 |
| Couple with one child | $467 |
| Couple with two children | $628 |
These figures may vary slightly depending on your net family income as reported in your 2024 tax filing.
When Will the Grocery Rebate Be Paid?
The CRA has confirmed that payments will begin in the first half of October 2025, following the same schedule as other federal benefit disbursements.
- Payment window: October 7–14, 2025 (estimated)
- Payment method: Direct deposit or mailed cheque
- Payment issuer: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
If you receive your GST/HST Credit or Canada Child Benefit (CCB) by direct deposit, your grocery rebate will be sent to the same account.
Those who receive payments by cheque can expect delivery times to vary based on postal delays.
How to Check If You Qualify
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for the rebate, you can check your eligibility using the CRA My Account portal at www.canada.ca/my-cra-account.
Steps to confirm eligibility:
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- Log in to your CRA account.
- Navigate to “Benefits and Credits.”
- Select “GST/HST Credit” or “Grocery Rebate.”
- Review your eligibility status and upcoming payment details.
You can also contact the CRA’s benefit enquiries line for assistance. If your tax return was delayed or amended, processing may take additional time before your payment is issued.
What If You Didn’t File Taxes?
Filing your taxes is essential to receive the rebate. The CRA uses your 2024 income data to assess eligibility. If you missed the deadline, you should file your taxes immediately, as late submissions may still qualify retroactively for payment.
Even individuals with no taxable income should file a return, as it determines eligibility for benefits like the GST/HST Credit, Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), and the Grocery Rebate.
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How the Grocery Rebate Helps Canadians
For many Canadians, this payment arrives at a crucial time. Rising food prices and housing costs have strained household budgets, particularly for low-income families and seniors.
The rebate provides an opportunity for households to catch up on grocery bills, rent, or essential expenses ahead of the winter season. It also reflects the government’s continued focus on economic fairness and targeted relief rather than broad, across-the-board subsidies.
The CRA estimates that over 11 million Canadians will benefit from the October 2025 Grocery Rebate, with the majority receiving payments automatically.
How to Track Your CRA Payment
You can track your Grocery Rebate payment through the CRA My Account portal or the MyCRA mobile app.
Once logged in, you’ll be able to see:
- The payment issue date
- The amount deposited
- Your bank account information on file
If you haven’t received your payment within 10 business days after the expected date, you can submit a missing payment request through the CRA website or contact their helpline directly.
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What to Do If You Change Your Bank Account
If you’ve recently changed banks or closed your account, you must update your direct deposit information as soon as possible.
You can do this by:
- Logging in to your CRA My Account
- Selecting “Manage direct deposit”
- Updating your bank account details
Failure to update your information may result in delays or the issuance of a paper cheque instead of direct deposit
Tax Implications and Benefit Interaction
The Grocery Rebate is completely tax-free, meaning you do not need to declare it as income when filing your 2025 tax return.
It also does not affect eligibility for other federal or provincial benefits, including:
- GST/HST Credit
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
This ensures that the payment serves as an additional supplement rather than replacing or reducing other forms of assistance.
How the CRA Determines Payment Amounts
The CRA calculates rebate amounts based on:
- Adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return.
- Number of dependents under age 19.
- Marital status as of October 2025.
Higher-income families receive smaller payments or none at all, as the program is income-tested to target those most in need. The CRA uses the same formula as the GST/HST Credit to ensure consistent and equitable distribution.
Missed or Delayed Payments – What to Do
If you expected a payment but haven’t received it, check your CRA My Account first for updates.
If the status shows “issued” but the funds haven’t appeared:
- Wait 5–10 business days for processing.
- Verify that your bank account details are correct.
- Contact the CRA’s benefits department if delays persist.
For mailed cheques, allow up to 3 weeks for delivery before reporting it missing.
Broader Government Support in October 2025
In addition to the Grocery Rebate, the federal government has several other financial supports rolling out in October 2025, including:
- Double CPP and OAS payments for seniors.
- The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) of up to $360.
- A new $800 CRA one-time payment for eligible low-income earners.
Together, these measures reinforce Ottawa’s continued focus on addressing affordability challenges nationwide.
If you filed your taxes and meet the eligibility requirements, you don’t need to take any further action — the payment will arrive directly in your bank account.
As living costs continue to fluctuate, programs like the Grocery Rebate highlight the government’s effort to prioritize affordability, equity, and economic resilience for all Canadians.
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5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the $628 Grocery Rebate be paid in October 2025?
Payments are expected to be deposited between October 7 and 14, 2025, depending on your CRA payment schedule.
Q2. How much will I receive from the Canada Grocery Rebate?
Eligible individuals can receive up to $628, depending on family size and income. Singles may receive around $234, while couples with two children can receive the maximum amount.
Q3. Do I need to apply for the Grocery Rebate?
No. The CRA issues the payment automatically based on your 2024 tax return and GST/HST Credit eligibility.
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Q4. Will the rebate affect my other government benefits?
No. The Grocery Rebate is tax-free and does not affect other benefits such as CCB, OAS, GIS, or GST/HST credits.
Q5. What should I do if I didn’t receive my payment?
Check your CRA My Account for updates. If the payment hasn’t arrived within 10 business days after the issue date, contact the CRA’s benefit enquiries line for assistance.
